Pesticidal (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxole derivatives

ABSTRACT

Certain novel (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxane derivatives have provided unexpected insecticidal activity. These compounds are represented by formula I: where R through R 10 , inclusively, x, A, B, y, D, E, G and M are fully described herein. Preferred compounds of the present invention are those wherein the benzofused ring moiety is attached to the remainder of the molecule at the positions designated as 1- or 2-. In addition, compositions comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I, and optionally, an effective amount of at least one of a second compound, with at least one insecticidally compatible carrier are also disclosed; along with methods of controlling insects comprising applying said compositions to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/466,674, filed Apr. 30, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVETION

The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in controlling insects and acarids. In particular, it pertains to (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxole derivatives and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, compositions containing them and methods for their use in controlling insects and acarids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that insects in general can cause significant damage, not only to crops grown in agriculture, but also, for example; to structures and turf where the damage is caused by soil-borne insects, such as termites and white grubs. Such damage may result in the loss of millions of dollars of value associated with a given crop, turf or structures. Insecticides and acaricides are useful for controlling insects and acarids which may otherwise cause significant damage to crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, potatoes, and cotton to name a few. For crop protection, insecticides and acaricides are desired which can control the insects and acarids without damaging the crops, and which have no deleterious effects to mammals and other living organisms.

A number of patents and publications disclose a variety of dihalopropene compounds that are reported to be insecticidally and acaricidally active. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,880 discloses certain dihalopropene compounds containing optionally substituted heterocyclic ring groups for use as insecticides and acaricides. Examples of the heterocyclic ring in the optionally substituted heterocyclic ring group are isoxazole, thiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, pyrazole, imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3,4-tetrazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, 1,2,4-triazine, 1,3,5-triazine, indole, benzofuran, thianaphthalene, indazole, benzimidazole, benzotriazole, benzisoxazole, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazole, piperidine, piperazine, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, pyrazoline, phthalimide, dioxane, dioxolane, and benzodioxolane (Column 3, lines 15-25).

There is no disclosure or suggestion in the above-referenced patent of the structures and pesticidal activity of the compounds of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF TBE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, it has now been found that certain novel (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxole derivatives are surprisingly active in the control of insects and acarids when used in the insecticidal and acaricidal compositions and methods of this invention. The novel (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxole derivatives are represented by the following general formula I:

wherein

-   R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy,     (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl,     halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, halo(C₁-C₃)alkoxy,     (C₁-C₃)alkylthio, halo(C₁-C₃)alkylthio, (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl,     halo(C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl, cyano, nitro; optionally substituted amino     wherein the optional substituent is selected from (C₁-C₄)alkyl,     (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl and (C₁-C₃)alkoxycarbonyl; optionally     substituted imidazolyl, optionally substituted imidazolinyl,     optionally substituted oxazolinyl, optionally substituted oxazolyl,     optionally substituted oxadiazolyl, optionally substituted     thiazolyl, optionally substituted pyrazolyl, optionally substituted     triazolyl, optionally substituted furanyl, optionally substituted     tetrahydrofuranyl, optionally substituted dioxolanyl, optionally     substituted dioxanyl, —C(=J)-K, and —C(R¹²)-Q-R³, wherein the     optional substituent is selected from (C₁-C₄)alkyl,     halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy(C₁-C₄)alkyl,     (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, cyano, nitro and     aryl;     where     -   J is selected from O, S, NR¹⁴, and NOR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is hydrogen,         (C₁-C₄)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, aryl and aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;     -   K is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl,         (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, (C₁-C₃)alkylamino and di(C₁-C₃)alkylamino;     -   Q is selected from O, S, and NR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is as previously         described;     -   R¹² and R¹³ are independently selected from hydrogen,         (C₁-C₄)alkyl and halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, and R¹² and R¹³ may be taken         together with -T(CHR¹⁴)_(m)—, where m is an integer of 2 to 4; T         is selected from from O, S, and NR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is as previously         described; -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and     (C₁-C₃)alkyl; -   R⁴ is hydrogen; -   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; -   E is selected from CH₂, O, S and NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is selected from     hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, aryl(C₁-C₃)alkyl,     (C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl,     di(C₁-C₃)alkylphosphonate, formyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl,     halo(C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl,     arylcarbonyl and (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl; -   G is selected from O, S, CH₂O* and (CH₂)_(n) where the asterisk     denotes attachment to E, and n is an integer selected from 1, 2 and     3, provided that E and G are not simultaneously O or S, -   x is an integer selected from 0 or 1;     -   and when x is 1, -   A is selected from O, S(O)_(p) and —NR¹⁵, where p is an integer     selected from 0, 1 and 2, and R¹⁵ is as previously described; -   B is a bridging group,     -   —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(CR²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)−(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—,         where -   the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are     integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and -   when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, -   R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are independently selected from     hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl,     and (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl; -   t is an integer selected from 0 or 1; and     when t is 1, -   L is selected from CH═CH; O, S(O)_(p); OS(O)₂, S(O)₂O, NR²⁸;     N(oxide)R²⁸; NR²⁸SO₂; NR²⁸C(═O)NR²⁹; Si(CH₃)₂; C(═O), OC(═O),     NHC(═O); ON═CH; HC—NO; C(═O)O; C(═O)NH; C(═NOR¹⁴) and [CR³⁰R³¹]_(z),     where p is as previously described, R²⁸ and R²⁹ are independently     selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl,     (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, and (C₂-C₅)alkynyl; z is an     integer selected from 1 or 2; and R³⁰ and R³¹ are independently     selected from hydrogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; -   y is an integer selected from 0 or 1;     -   and when y is 1, -   D is selected from 0; S(O)_(p); and NR¹⁵, where p and R¹⁵ are as     previously described, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused ring     moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions designated     1- or 2-:     where -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen,     halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl,     (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, halo(C₁-C₄)alkoxy,     (C₁-C₄)alkylthio, halo(C₁-C₄)alkylthio, (C₁-C₄)alkylsulfonyl,     halo(C₁-C₄)alkylsulfonyl, cyano, nitro, aryl, alkylcarbonylamino,     arylcarbonylamino, and (C₁-C₄)alkoxycarbonylamino; -   M is selected from —CR³²R³³— and —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, and -   when M is —R³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from     halogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and     (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, and -   when M is W³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently     selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and     (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl; and -   agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

The present invention also includes compositions containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I, and optionally, an effective amount of at least one second compound, with at least one insecticidally compatible carrier.

The present invention also includes methods of controlling insects, in an area where control is desired, which comprise applying an insecticidally effective amount of the above composition to the locus of crops, or other areas where insects are present or are expected to be present.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to certain new and useful insecticidal and acaricidal compounds, namely (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxole derivatives (hereinafter termed “compounds of formula I”) as depicted in general formula I:

wherein

-   R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy,     (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl,     halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, halo(C₁-C₃)alkoxy,     (C₁-C₃)alkylthio, halo(C₁-C₃)alkylthio, (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl,     halo(C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl, cyano, nitro; optionally substituted amino     wherein the optional substituent is selected from (C₁-C₄)alkyl,     (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl and (C₁-C₃)alkoxycarbonyl; optionally     substituted imidazolyl, optionally substituted imidazolinyl,     optionally substituted oxazolinyl, optionally substituted oxazolyl,     optionally substituted oxadiazolyl, optionally substituted     thiazolyl, optionally substituted pyrazolyl, optionally substituted     triazolyl, optionally substituted furanyl, optionally substituted     tetrahydrofuranyl, optionally substituted dioxolanyl, optionally     substituted dioxanyl, —C(=J)-K, and —C(R¹²)-Q-R¹³, wherein the     optional substituent is selected from (C₁-C₄)alkyl,     halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy(C₁-C₄)alkyl,     (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, cyano, nitro and     aryl;     where     -   J is selected from O, S, NR¹⁴, and NOR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is hydrogen,         (C₁-C₄)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, aryl and aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl;     -   K is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl,         (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, (C₁-C₃)alkylamino and di(C₁-C₃)alkylamino;     -   Q is selected from O, S, and NR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is as previously         described;     -   R¹² and R¹³ are independently selected from hydrogen,         (C₁-C₄)alkyl and halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, and R¹² and R¹³ may be taken         together with -T(CHR¹⁴)_(m)—, where m is an integer of 2 to 4; T         is selected from from O, S, and NR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is as previously         described; -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and     (C₁-C₃)alkyl; -   R⁴ is hydrogen; -   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; -   E is selected from CH₂, O, S and NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is selected from     hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, aryl(C₁-C₃)alkyl,     (C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl,     di(C₁-C₃)alkylphosphonate, formyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl,     halo(C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl,     arylcarbonyl and (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl; -   G is selected from O, S, CH₂O* and (CH₂)_(n) where the asterisk     denotes attachment to E, and n is an integer selected from 1, 2 and     3, provided that E and G are not simultaneously O or S, -   x is an integer selected from 0 or 1;     -   and when x is 1, -   A is selected from O, S(O)_(p) and —NR¹⁵, where p is an integer     selected from 0, 1 and 2, and R¹⁵ is as previously described; -   B is a bridging group,     -   —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(CR²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)-(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—,         where -   the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are     integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and -   when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, -   R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are independently selected from     hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl,     and (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl; -   t is an integer selected from 0 or 1; and     when t is 1, -   L is selected from CH═CH; O, S(O)_(p); OS(O)₂, S(O)₂O, NR²⁸;     N(oxide)R²⁸; NR²⁸SO₂; NR²⁸C(═O)NR²⁹; Si(CH₃)₂; C(═O), OC(═O),     NHC(═O); ON═CH; HC═NO; C(═O)O; C(═O)NH; C(═NOR¹⁴) and [CR³⁰R³¹]_(z),     where p is as previously described, R²⁸ and R²⁹ are independently     selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl,     (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, and (C₂-C₅)alkynyl; z is an     integer selected from 1 or 2; and R³⁰ and R³¹ are independently     selected from hydrogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; -   y is an integer selected from 0 or 1;     -   and when y is 1, -   D is selected from 0; S(O)_(p); and NR¹⁵, where p and R¹⁵ are as     previously described, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused ring     moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions designated     1- or 2-:     where -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen,     halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl,     (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, halo(C₁-C₄)alkoxy,     (C₁-C₄)alkylthio, halo(C₁-C₄)alkylthio, (C₁-C₄)alkylsulfonyl,     halo(C₁-C₄)alkylsulfonyl, cyano, nitro, aryl, alkylcarbonylamino,     arylcarbonylamino, and (C₁-C₄)alkoxycarbonylamino; -   M is selected from —CR³²R³³— and —R³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, and -   when M is —R³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from     halogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and     (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, and -   when M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently     selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and     (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl; and     agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

Preferred species among those compounds set forth above are where R and R³ are independently selected from halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; R¹ and R² are hydrogen; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine, bromine, and fluorine; E is O; G is (CH₂)_(n), where n is 1; x is 1, and A is O; and when q, r, s, u, v and w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen; t is 0 or 1, and when t is 1, L is selected from 0, OC(═O), NHC(═O), ON═CH, and CH═NO; y is 1, and D is selected from O; S(O)_(p); and NR¹⁵, where p is 0, and R¹⁵ is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, aryl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, and halo(C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused moiety set forth in formula I at the position designated 1- or 2-; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl and nitro; when M is —CR³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl, and when M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl.

Particularly preferred species among those set forth above are those compounds where R and R³ are independently selected from chlorine and methyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine and bromine; q, r, s, u, v and w are 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum of q, r, s, u, v and w is at least 2 and at most 6; t is 0; D is O; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; and when M is —CR³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from fluorine and methyl, and when M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, fluorine and methyl.

More particularly preferred are those compounds where i) R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; and M is —CR³²R³³— where R³² and R³³ are each methyl, and ii) R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, where R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen and fluorine; and especially those where D is attached to the benzo-fused moiety set forth in formula I at the position designated 2-, and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are each fluorine.

In one aspect the present invention relates to certain new and useful insecticidal and acaricidal compounds, that are (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane derivatives as depicted in formula I:

wherein

-   R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or     (C₁-C₃)alkyl; -   R¹ and R² are hydrogen; -   E is O; G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; -   R⁴ is hydrogen; -   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; -   x is 1 and A is O; -   B is a bridging group     -   —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(C²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)-(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—,         where -   the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are     integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and t is 0; and -   when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively,     are hydrogen, -   y is 1, and D is O, and wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused     ring moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions     designated 1- or 2-:     where -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen     and (C₁-C₄)alkyl; -   M is —R³²R³³— where R³² and R³³ are independently selected from     halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; and     agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

Preferred species among benzodioxolane compounds set forth above are where R and R³ are independently selected from chlorine and methyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine and bromine; q, r, s, u, v and w are 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum of q, r, s, u, v and w is at least 2 and at most 6; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; and R³² and R³³ are independently selected from fluorine and methyl.

Particularly preferred benzodioxolane compounds are those where R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; and R³² and R³³ are each methyl.

In another aspect the present invention relates to certain new and useful insecticidal and acaricidal compounds, that are (dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxane derivatives as depicted in formula I:

wherein

-   R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or     (C₁-C₃)alkyl; -   R¹ and R² are hydrogen; -   E is O; G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; -   R⁴ is hydrogen; -   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; -   x is 1 and A is O; -   B is a bridging group     -   —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(CR²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)-(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—,         where -   the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are     integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and t is 0; and -   when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively,     are hydrogen, -   y is 1, and D is O, and wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused     ring moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions     designated 1- or 2-:     where -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen     and (C₁-C₄)alkyl; -   M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵— where R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently     selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; and     agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

Preferred species among benzodioxane compounds set forth above are where R and R³ are independently selected from chlorine and methyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine and bromine; q, r, s, u, v and w are 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum of q, r, s, u, v and w is at least 2 and at most 6; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, fluorine and methyl.

Particularly preferred benzodioxane compounds are those where R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen and fluorine; and especially those where D is attached to the benzo-fused moiety set forth in formula I at the position designated 2, and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are each fluorine.

In addition, in certain cases the compounds of the present invention may possess asymmetric centers, which can give rise to optical enantiomorphs and diastereomers. The compounds may exist in two or more forms, i.e., polymorphs, which are significantly different in physical and chemical properties. The compounds of the present invention may also exist as tautomers, in which migration of a hydrogen atom within the molecule results in two or more structures, which are in equilibrium. The compounds of the present invention may also possess acidic or basic moieties, which may allow for the formation of agriculturally acceptable salts or agriculturally acceptable metal complexes.

This invention includes the use of such enantiomorphs, polymorphs, tautomers, salts and metal complexes. Agriculturally acceptable salts and metal complexes include, without limitation, for example, ammonium salts, the salts of organic and inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, methylbenzenesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, gluconic acid, pamoic acid, and other acid salts, and the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal complexes with, for example, sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium, calcium, and other metals.

The methods of the present invention comprise causing an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of formula I to be administered to insects in order to kill or control the insects. Preferred insecticidally effective amounts are those that are sufficient to kill the insect. It is within the scope of the present invention to cause a compound of formula I to be present within insects by contacting the insects with a derivative of that compound, which derivative is converted within the insect to a compound of formula I. This invention includes the use of such compounds, which are referred to as pro-insecticides.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to compositions containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to compositions containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I, and an effective amount of at least one second compound.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods of controlling insects by applying an insecticidally effective amount of a composition as set forth above to a locus of crops such as, without limitation, cereals, cotton, vegetables, and fruits, or other areas where insects are present or are expected to be present.

The present invention also includes the use of the compounds and compositions set forth herein for control of non-agricultural insect species, for example, dry wood termites and subterranean termites; as well as for use as pharmaceutical agents. In the field of veterinary medicine, the compounds of the present invention are expected to be effective against certain endo- and ecto-parasites, such as insects and worms, which prey on animals. Examples of such animal parasites include, without limitation, Gastrophilus spp., Stomoxys spp., Trichodectes spp., Rhodnius spp., Ctenocephalides canis, and other species.

As used in this specification and unless otherwise indicated the substituent terms “alkyl” and “alkoxy”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety, includes straight or branched chains of at least one or two carbon atoms, as appropriate to the substituent, and preferably up to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably up to ten carbon atoms, most preferably up to seven carbon atoms. The term “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” used alone or as part of a larger moiety, includes straight or branched chains of at least two carbon atoms containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond, and preferably up to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably up to ten carbon atoms, most preferably up to seven carbon atoms. The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic ring structure, including fused rings, having six to ten carbon atoms, for example, phenyl or naphthyl. The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic ring structure, including fused rings, in which at least one of the atoms is other than carbon, for example, without limitation, sulfur, oxygen, or nitrogen. The term “GC analysis” refers to gas chromatographic analysis of; while the term “TLC analysis” refers to thin layer chromatographic analysis of, for example a reaction mixture. The term “THPLC” refers to high pressure liquid chromatography, as it relates to, for example a method of separating components from a reaction mixture. The term “DMF” refers to N,N-dimethylformamide. The term “THF” refers to tetrahydrofuran. The term “DBU” refers to 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. The term “DEAD” refers to diethyl azodicarboxylate. The term “halogen” or “halo” refers to fluorine, bromine, iodine, or chlorine. The term “ambient temperature” or “room temperature” often abbreviated as “RT”, for example, in reference to a chemical reaction mixture temperature, refers to a temperature in the range of 20° C. to 30° C. The term “insecticidal” or “acaricidal”, “insecticide” or “acaricide” refers to a compound of the present invention, either alone or in admixture with at least one of a second compound, or with at least one compatible carrier, which causes the destruction or the inhibition of action of insects or acarids. The term “independently selected from” as set forth above and in the claims section of the present specification refers to the possibility that moieties, for example the R⁵ and R⁶, may be the same or they may be different within the group that the selection is made.

The (propenyl)phenylalkyl substituted benzodioxolane and benzodioxane derivatives of formula I can be synthesized by methods that are individually known to one skilled in the art from available intermediate compounds.

Scheme 1 below illustrates a general procedure for synthesizing compounds of formula I where, for example R¹, R², R⁴, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are hydrogen; R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are chloro; q, r s, t, u, v and w are 0 or 1, and when q, r s, u, v and w are 1, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen; x and y are 1; A, D and E are O, and G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; and M is CR³²R³³ where a 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-4-yl derivative was prepared:

As depicted in scheme 1, for example the known compound 2,6-dichloro-4-phenylmethoxyphenol (A) was reacted with a haloalkane of suitable chain length, such as 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane, under basic conditions, affording the corresponding 4-chlorobutoxy derivative (A1). Intermediate (A1) was in turn was reacted under basic conditions with the known hydroxy compound 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-4-ol yielding the corresponding coupled compound 2-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-oxy)butoxy]-1,3-dichloro-5-(phenylmethoxy)benzene (A2). Intermediate (A2) wha then treated with hydrogen gas under catalytic hydrogenation conditions, providing the deprotected intermediate 4-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yloxy)butoxy]-3,5-dichlorophenol (A3). Intermediate (A3) was then reacted with 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, affording a compound of formula I, such as 5-(3,3-Dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-4-yloxy)butoxy]-1,3-dichlorobenzene. Example 1 set forth below describes in detail the method by which compounds of formula I were prepared as shown in scheme 1.

Scheme 2 below illustrates a general procedure for synthesizing compounds of formula I where, for example where R¹, R², R⁴ and R⁹ are hydrogen; R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are chloro; q, r s, t, u, v and w are 0 or 1, and when q, r s, u, v and w are 1, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen; x and y are 1; A, D and E are O, and G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1, and M is CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵ where a 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobenzo[3,4-e]1,4-dioxan-6-yl derivative was prepared:

As depicted in scheme 2, the known compound 2,6-dichloro-4-phenylmethoxyphenol was reacted under basic conditions with, for example a haloalkyl ester such as of 4-bromobutyl acetate, affording the corresponding ester (B1), for example 4-[2,6-dichloro-4-(phenylmethoxy)phenoxylbutyl acetate. Intermediate (B1) was in turn deprotected by treating it with hydrogen gas under catalytic hydrogenation conditions, providing intermediate (B2). Intermediate (B32) then treated with, for example 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, under basic conditions, affording the corresponding intermediate (B3), which was in turn reduced with strong base, providing an alcohol intermediate (B4), for example 4-[4-(3,3-dichloro-2-propenyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]butan-1-ol. Intermediate (B4) was brominated (B5), then reacted with, for example the known compound 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobenzo[3,4-e]1,4-dioxan-6-ol, affording compounds of formula I. Example 2 set forth below describes in detail the method by which compounds of formula I were prepared as shown in scheme 2.

Scheme 3 below illustrates a general procedure for synthesizing compounds of formula I as depicted in scheme 1, except a 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yl derivative was prepared:

As depicted in Scheme 3, catechol was cyclized with acetone under catalytic conditions, affording the corresponding 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolane (C1). Intermediate (C1) was then treated with for example lead tetraacetate ubder acidic conditions, yielding the corresponding 2,2-dimethylbenzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yl acetate (C2). Intermediate (C2) was then deprotected with strong base, providing a phenolic intermediate (C3), which was in turn reacted with intermediate (B5), as taught in scheme 2, affording a compound of formula I. Example 3 set forth below describes in detail the method by which compounds of formula I were prepared as shown in scheme 3.

One skilled in the art will, of course, recognize that the formulation and mode of application of a toxicant may affect the activity of the material in a given application. Thus, for agricultural use the present insecticidal compounds may be formulated as a granular of relatively large particle size (for example, 8/16 or 4/8 US Mesh), as water-soluble or water-dispersible granules, as powdery dusts, as wettable powders, as emulsifiable concentrates, as aqueous emulsions, as solutions, or as any of other known types of agriculturally-useful formulations, depending on the desired mode of application. It is to be understood that the amounts specified in this specification are intended to be approximate only, as if the word “about” were placed in front of the amounts specified.

These insecticidal compositions may be applied either as water-diluted sprays, or dusts, or granules to the areas in which suppression of insects is desired. These formulations may contain as little as 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.5% to as much as 95% or more by weight of active ingredient.

Dusts are free flowing admixtures of the active ingredient with finely divided solids such as talc, natural clays, kieselguhr, flours such as walnut shell and cottonseed flours, and other organic and inorganic solids which act as dispersants and carriers for the toxicant; these finely divided solids have an average particle size of less than about 50 microns. A typical dust formulation useful herein is one containing 1.0 part or less of the insecticidal compound and 99.0 parts of talc.

Wettable powders, also useful formulations for insecticides, are in the form of finely divided particles that disperse readily in water or other dispersant. The wettable powder is ultimately applied to the locus where insect control is needed either as a dry dust or as an emulsion in water or other liquid. Typical carriers for wettable powders include Fuller's earth, kaolin clays, silicas, and other highly absorbent, readily wet inorganic diluents. Wettable powders normally are prepared to contain about 5-80% of active ingredient, depending on the absorbency of the carrier, and usually also contain a small amount of a wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agent to facilitate dispersion. For example, a useful wettable powder formulation contains 80.0 parts of the insecticidal compound, 17.9 parts of Palmetto clay, and 1.0 part of sodium lignosulfonate and 0.3 part of sulfonated aliphatic polyester as wetting agents. Additional wetting agent and/or oil will frequently be added to a tank mix for to facilitate dispersion on the foliage of the plant.

Other useful formulations for insecticidal applications are emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) which are homogeneous liquid compositions dispersible in water or other dispersant, and may consist entirely of the insecticidal compound and a liquid or solid emulsifying agent, or may also contain a liquid carrier, such as xylene, heavy aromatic naphthas, isphorone, or other non-volatile organic solvents. For insecticidal application these concentrates are dispersed in water or other liquid carrier and normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated. The percentage by weight of the essential active ingredient may vary according to the manner in which the composition is to be applied, but in general comprises 0.5 to 95% of active ingredient by weight of the insecticidal composition.

Flowable formulations are similar to ECs, except that the active ingredient is suspended in a liquid carrier, generally water. Flowables, like ECs, may include a small amount of a surfactant, and will typically contain active ingredients in the range of 0.5 to 95%, frequently from 10 to 50%, by weight of the composition. For application, flowables may be diluted in water or other liquid vehicle, and are normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated.

Typical wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agents used in agricultural formulations include, but are not limited to, the alkyl and alkylaryl sulfonates and sulfates and their sodium salts; alkylaryl polyether alcohols; sulfated higher alcohols; polyethylene oxides; sulfonated animal and vegetable oils; sulfonated petroleum oils; fatty acid esters of polyhydric alcohols and the ethylene oxide addition products of such esters; and the addition product of long-chain mercaptans and ethylene oxide. Many other types of useful surface-active agents are available in commerce. Surface-active agents, when used, normally comprise 1 to 15% by weight of the composition.

Other useful formulations include suspensions of the active ingredient in a relatively non-volatile solvent such as water, corn oil, kerosene, propylene glycol, or other suitable solvents.

Still other useful formulations for insecticidal applications include simple solutions of the active ingredient in a solvent in which it is completely soluble at the desired concentration, such as acetone, alkylated naphthalenes, xylene, or other organic solvents. Granular formulations, wherein the toxicant is carried on relative coarse particles, are of particular utility for aerial distribution or for penetration of cover crop canopy. Pressurized sprays, typically aerosols wherein the active ingredient is dispersed in finely divided form as a result of vaporization of a low-boiling dispersant solvent carrier may also be used. Water-soluble or water-dispersible granules are free flowing, non-dusty, and readily water-soluble or water-miscible. In use by the farmer on the field, the granular formulations, emulsifiable concentrates, flowable concentrates, aqueous emulsions, solutions, etc., may be diluted with water to give a concentration of active ingredient in the range of say 0.1% or 0.2% to 1.5% or 2%.

The active insecticidal compounds of this invention may be formulated and/or applied with one or more second compounds. Such combinations may provide certain advantages, such as, without limitation, exhibiting synergistic effects for greater control of insect pests, reducing rates of application of insecticide thereby minimizing any impact to the environment and to worker safety, controlling a broader spectrum of insect pests, safening of crop plants to phytotoxicity, and improving tolerance by non-pest species, such as mammals and fish.

Second compounds include, without limitation, other pesticides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, soil conditioners, or other agricultural chemicals. In applying an active compound of this invention, whether formulated alone or with other agricultural chemicals, an effective amount and concentration of the active compound is of course employed; the amount may vary in the range of, e.g. about 0.001 to about 3 kg/ha, preferably about 0.03 to about 1 kg/ha. For field use, where there are losses of insecticide, higher application rates (e.g., four times the rates mentioned above) may be employed.

When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other pesticides such as herbicides, the herbicides include, without limitation, for example: N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”); aryloxyalkanoic acids such as (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (“2,4-D”), (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid (“MCPA”), (+/−)-2-(4chloro-2-methylphenoxy)propanoic acid (“MCPP”); ureas such as N,N-dimethyl-N′-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]urea (“isoproturon”); imidazolinones such as 2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (“imazapyr”), a reaction product comprising (+/−)-2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]4-methylbenzoic acid and (+/−)₂-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-methylbenzoic acid (“imazamethabenz”), (+/−)-2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-ethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (“imazethapyr”), and (+/−)-2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (“imazaquin”); diphenyl ethers such as 5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid (“acifluorfen”), methyl 5-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-2-nitrobenzoate (“bifenox”), and 5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzamide (“fomasafen”); hydroxybenzonitriles such as 4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzonitrile (“ioxynil”) and 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (“bromoxynil”); sulfonylureas such as 2-[[[[(4chloro-6-methoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoic acid (“chlorimuron”), 2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6, methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide (achlorsulfuron”), 2-[[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sufonyl]methyl]benzoic acid (“bensulfuron”), 2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-1-methy-1H-pyrazol-4-carboxylic acid (“pyrazosulfuron”), 3-[[f[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid (“thifensulfuron”), and 2-(2-chloroethoxy)-N[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide (“triasulfuron”); 2-(4-aryloxy-phenoxy)alkanoic acids such as (+/−)-2[4-[(6-chloro-2-benzoxazolyl)oxy]phenoxy]-propanoic acid (fenoxaprop”), (+/−)-2-[4[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]-phenoxy]propanoic acid (“fluazifop”), (+/−)-2-[4-[(6chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]-phenoxy]propanoic acid (“quizalofop”), and (+/−)-2-[(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propanoic acid (“diclofop”); benzothiadiazinones such as 3-(1-methylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide (“bentazone”); 2-chloroacetanilides such as N-(butoxymethyl)-2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)acetamide (“butachlor”), 2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide (“metolachlor”), 2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide (“acetochlor”), and (RS)-2-chloro-N-(2,4-dimethyl-3-thienyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide (“dimethenamide”); arenecarboxylic acids such as 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (“dicamba”); pyridyloxyacetic acids such as [(4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy]acetic acid (“fluroxypyr”), and other herbicides.

When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other pesticides such as other insecticides, the other insecticides include, for example: organophosphate insecticides, such as chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, malathion, parathion-methyl, and terbufos; pyrethroid insecticides, such as fenvalerate, deltamethrin, fenpropathrin, cyfluthrin, flucythrinate, alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, resolved cyhalothrin, etofenprox, esfenvalerate, tralomehtrin, tefluthrin, cycloprothrin, betacyfluthrin, and acrinathrin; carbamate insecticides, such as aldecarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl; organochlorine insecticides, such as endosulfan, endrin, heptachlor, and lindane; benzoylurea insecticides, such as diflubenuron, triflumuron, teflubenzuron, chlorfluazuron, flucycloxuron, hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, and lufenuron; and other insecticides, such as amitraz, clofentezine, fenpyroximate, hexythiazox, spinosad, and imidacloprid.

When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other pesticides such as fungicides, the fungicides include, for example: benzimidazole fungicides, such as benomyl, carbendazim, thiabendazole, and thiophanate-methyl; 1,2,4-triazole fungicides, such as epoxyconazole, cyproconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, propiconazole, tebuconazole, triadimefon, and triadimenol; substituted anilide fungicides, such as metalaxyl, oxadixyl, procyrnidone, and vinclozolin; organophosphorus fungicides, such as fosetyl, iprobenfos, pyrazophos, edifenphos, and tolclofos-methyl; morpholine fungicides, such as fenpropimorph, tridemorph, and dodemorph; other systemic fungicides, such as fenarimol, imazalil, prochloraz, tricyclazole, and triforine; dithiocarbamate fungicides, such as mancozeb, maneb, propineb, zineb, and ziram; non-systemic fungicides, such: as chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, dithianon, and iprodione, captan, dinocap, dodine, fluazinam, gluazatine, PCNB, pencycuron, quintozene, tricylamide, and validamycin; inorganic fungicides, such as copper and sulphur products, and other fungicides.

When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other pesticides such as nematicides, the nematicides include, for example: carbofuran, carbosulfan, turbufos, aldicarb, ethoprop, fenamphos, oxnamyl, isazofos, cadusafos, and other nematicides.

When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other materials such as plant growth regulators, the plant growth regulators include, for example: maleic hydrazide, chlormequat, ethephon, gibberellli, mepiquat, thidiazon, inabenfide, triaphenthenol, paclobutrazol, unaconazol, DCPA, prohexadione, trinexapac-ethyl, and other plant growth regulators.

Soil conditioners are materials which, when added to the soil, promote a variety of benefits for the efficacious growth of plants. Soil conditioners are used to reduce soil compaction, promote and increase effectiveness of drainage, improve soil permeability, promote optimum plant nutrient content in the soil, and promote better pesticide and fertilizer incorporation. When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other materials such as soil conditioners, the soil conditioners include organic matter, such as humus, which promotes retention of cation plant nutrients in the soil; mixtures of cation nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, potash, sodium, and hydrogen complexes; or microorganism compositions which promote conditions in the soil favorable to plant growth. Such microorganism compositions include, for example, bacillus, pseudomonas, azotobacter, azospirillum, rhizobium, and soil-borne cyanobacteria.

Fertilizers are plant food supplements, which commonly contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When the active insecticidal compounds of the present invention are used in combination with one or more of second compounds, e.g., with other materials such as fertilizers, the fertilizers include nitrogen fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and bone meal; phosphate fertilizers, such as superphosphate, triple superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, and diammonium sulfate; and potassium fertilizers, such as muriate of potash, potassium sulfate, and potassium nitrate, and other fertilizers.

The following examples further illustrate the present invention, but, of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope. The examples are organized to present protocols for the synthesis of the compounds of formula I of the present invention, set forth a list of such synthesized species, and set forth certain biological data indicating the efficacy of such compounds.

EXAMPLE 1 This example illustrates one protocol for the preparation of 5-(3,3-Dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-4-yloxy)butoxy]-1,3-dichlorobenzene (Compound 2 in table below) Step A Synthesis of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-4-ol as an Intermediate

A stirred mixture of 10.0 grams (0.079 mole) of benzene-1,2,3-triol, 20 mL (0.163 mole) of 2,2-dimethoxypropane and 1.0 gram (catalyst) of Amberlite® IR-120 (plus) ion exchange resin in 50 mL of toluene was warmed to 100° C., where it was maintained during an 18 hour period. After this time the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residual solid. The solid was triturated with three 50 mL portions of methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure to a residual solid, which was then dissolved in methylene chloride and subjected to column chromatography on silical gel. Elution was accomplished with 1:4 ethyl acetate:hexane. A second column chromatography as described above was needed to purify the solid. In each chromatography, the appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, ultimately yielding 5.3 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step B Synthesis of 1,3-dichloro-2-(4-chlorobutoxy)-5-(phenylmethoxy)benzene as an Intermediate

A stirred solution of 7.5 grams (0.028 mole) of 2,6-dichloro-4-phenylmethoxyphenol (known compound) and 3 mL (0.030 mole) of 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane in 225 mL of DMF was cooled in an ice bath, and 5.8 grams (0.042 mole) of potassium carbonate was added. Upon completion of addition, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature as it stirred for about 18 hours. The reaction mixture was then poured into 1000 mL of an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride. The mixture was extracted with four 150 mL portions of diethyl ether, and the combined extracts were washed with 50 mL of water. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 1:3 methylene chloride:hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 6.7 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step C Synthesis of 2-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-oxy)butoxy]-1,3-dichloro-5-(phenylmethoxy)benzene as an Intermediate

A stirred solution of 0.3 gram (0.00083 mole) of 1,3-dichloro-2-(4-chlorobutoxy)-5-(phenylmethoxy)benzene, 0.17 gram (0.00100 mole) of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-4-ol, and 0.17 gram (0.00125 mole) of potassium carbonate in 10 mL of DMF was heated at 80° C. for about 18 hours. After this time, the reaction mixture was cooled and 30 mL of water was added. The mixture was then extracted with three 20 mL portions of diethyl ether. The combined extracts were washed with 20 mL of an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 1:1 methylene chloride:hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 0.29 gram of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step D Synthesis of 4-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yloxy)butoxy]-3,5-dichlorophenol as an Intermediate

A mixture of 0.29 gram (0.59 millimole) of, 2-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-oxy)butoxy]-1,3-dichloro-5-(phenylmethoxy)benzene and 0.05 gram (catalyst) of 10% palladium on carbon in 50 mL of ethanol was subjected to hydrogenation conditions using a Parr Hydrogenator, yielding 0.24 gram of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step E Synthesis of Compound 2

A stirred solution of 0.24 gram (0.59 millimole) of 4-[4-(2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yloxy)butoxy]-3,5-dichlorophenol, 0.13 gram (0.71 millimole) of 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, and 0.16 gram (1.18 millimole) of potassium carbonate in 8 mL of DMF was heated at 80° C. during a 16 hour period. After this time, the reaction mixture was cooled, and then it was poured into 20 mL of water. The mixture was saturated with solid sodium chloride and extracted with three 10 mL portions of diethyl ether. The combined extracts were washed with 10 mL of water and dried with sodium sulfate. The mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 1:1 methylene chloride:hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 0.13 gram of compound 2. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 2 This example illustrates one protocol for the preparation of 5-(3,3-Dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-1,3-dichloro-2-[4-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobenzo[3,4-e]1,4-dioxan-6-yloxy)butoxy]benzene (Compound 9 in table below) Step A Synthesis of 4-[2,6-dichloro-4-(phenylmethoxy)phenoxy]butyl acetate as an Intermediate

This compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that set forth in Step B of Example 1, using 25 grams (0.093 mole) of 2,6-dichloro-4-phenylmethoxyphenol (known compound), 19.5 grams (0.10 mole) of 4-bromobutyl acetate and 19.4 grams (0.14 mole) of potassium carbonate in 400 mL of DMF, differing in that the reaction mixture was warmed to 80 C., where it was maintained prior to work-up. The crude reaction product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 1:1 methylene chloride:hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 33.1 grams of compound the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step B Synthesis of 4-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenoxy)butyl acetate as an Intermediate

This compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that set forth in Step D of Example 1, using excess hydrogen gas, 33.0 grams (0.086 mole) of 4-[2,6-dichloro-4-(phenylmethoxy)phenoxy]butyl acetate and 0.05 gram (catalyst) of 10% palladium on carbon in 350 mL of ethanol. The yield of the subject compound was 25.4 grams. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step C Synthesis of 4-[4-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]butyl acetate as an Intermediate

This compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that set forth in Step E of Example 1, using 25.3 grams (0.086 mole) of 4-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenoxy)butyl acetate, 19.5 grams (0.1 mole) of 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, and 18 grams (0.13 mole) of potassium carbonate in 250 mL of DMF was heated at 80° C. during a 16 hour period. The crude reaction product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 1:1 methylene chloride:hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 27.1 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step D Synthesis of 4-[4-(3,3-dichloro-2-propenyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]butan-1-ol as an Intermediate

Twenty seven grams (0.067 mole) of 4-[4-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]butyl acetate was stirred and a solution of 5.4 grams (0.134 mole) of sodium hydroxide in 300 mL of methanol was added portion-wise. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature during a two hour period. After this time the reaction mixture was stirred with 400 mL of water and was neutralized with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The neutral mixture was extracted with four 150 mL portions of diethyl ether, and the combined extracted were washed with one 150 mL portion of an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue, yielding 22.5 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step E Synthesis of 1-[4-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]-4-bromobutane as an Intermediate

A stirred solution of 22.3 grams (0.062 mole) of 4-[4-(3,3-dichloro-2-propenyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]butan-1-ol and 20.6 grams (0.062 mole) of carbon tetrabromide in 250 mL of methylene chloride was cooled to 10° C. and 17.9 grams (0.068 mole) of triphenylphosphine was added in one portion. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture was warmed to ambient temperature where it stirred during an 18 hour period. After this time the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 25% methylene chloride in hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 21.3 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step F Synthesis of Compound 9

This compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that set forth in Step B of Example 1, using 0.21 gram (0.50 millimole) of 1-[4-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]-bromobutane, 0.12 gram (0.55 millimole) of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobenzo[3,4-e]1,4-dioxan-6-ol (known compound) and 0.08 gram (0.55 millimole) of potassium carbonate in 4 mL of DMF, differing in that the reaction mixture was warmed to 50 C., where it was maintained prior to work-up. The crude reaction product was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using 1:3 methylene chloride:hexane as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 0.21 gram of compound 9. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 3

This example illustrates one protocol for the preparation of 5-{4-[4-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]butoxy}-2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolane (Compound 4 in table below)

Step A Synthesis of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolane as an Intermediate

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, a solution of 10.0 grams (0.091 mole) of catechol in 100 mL of toluene and 100 mL of acetone was stirred and 0.01 gram (catalyst) of para-toluenesulfonic acid was added in one portion. Upon completion of additon the reaction mixture was warmed to reflux where it was maintained during a 48 hour period. After this time the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, then it was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using petroleum ether as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 3.3 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step B Synthesis of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yl acetate as an Intermediate

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, stirred solution of 3.3 grams (0.022 mole) of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolane and 19.5 grams (0.044 mole) of lead tetraacetate in 100 mL of acetic acid was warmed to 80° C. where it was maintained during an 18 hour period. After this time the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was dissolved in 500 mL of ethyl acetate and washed with 250 mL of water. The water layer was in turn washed with two 150 mL portions of ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate layer and washes were dried with sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified with column chromatography on silica gel using petroleum ether and finally 1% diethyl ether in petroleum ether as eluants. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 0.6 gram of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step C Synthesis of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ol as an Intermediate

A solution of 0.6 gram (0.003 mole) of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-yl acetate in 5 mL of methanol was stirred and a solution of 1.1 grams (0.02 mole) of potassium hydroxide in 5 mL of water was added in one portion. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature during a two hour period. After this time the reaction mixture was diluted with 50 mL of water and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The mixture was then extracted with two 100 mL portions of ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried with sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 0.36 gram of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step D Synthesis of Compound 4

This compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that set forth in Step B of Example 1, differing in that 0.1 gram (catalyst) of 18-Crown-6 was used, in addition to 0.3 gram (0.0007 mole) of 1-[4-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyloxy)-2,6-dichlorophenoxy]-4-bromobutane (prepared as in Step A through Step E of Example 2), 0.12 gram (0.0007 mole) of 2,2-dimethylbenzo[d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ol and 0.19 gram (0.0014 mole) of potassium carbonate in 10 mL of DMF. The crude product was purified in two steps, first by column chromatography on alumina (activity E) using methylene chloride as an eluant. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. As a second step in the purification process, the residue was applied to a silica gel thin layer preparative plate and eluted with methylene chloride. The appropriate band was collected, which yielded compound 4. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

The following table sets forth examples of compounds of formula I: TABLE 1 Insecticidal (Dihalopropenyl)phenylalkyl Substituted Benzodioxolane and Benzodioxane Derivatives I

where B is a bridging group of the formula: —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(CR²⁰R²¹)_(s)—L_(t)— (CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R₂₇)_(w)—. where R¹, R², R⁴, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are hydrogen; R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are chloro; q, r s, t, u, v and w are 0 or 1, where when q, r s, u, v and w are 1, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen; x and y are 1; A, D and E are O, and G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; providing compounds as set forth below: where M is CR³²R³³ Cmpd. Equal Equal Point of Attachment No. to 1 to 0 to Beuzo-fused Ring R⁷ R⁸ R³² R³³ 1 q, r, s, u t, v, w 1 — H H H 2 q, r, s, u t, v, w 1 — H CH₃ CH₃ 3 q, r, s, u t, v, w 2 H — H H 4 q, r, s, u t, v, w 2 H — CH₃ CH₃ where R¹, R², R⁴ and R⁹ are hydrogen; R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are chloro; q, r s, t, u, v and w are 0 or 1, where when q, r s, u, v and w are 1, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen; x and y are 1; A, D and E are O, and G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; providing compounds as set forth below: where M is CR³²R³³CR³⁴R₃₅ Point of Attachment Cmpd. Equal Equal to Benzo- No. to 1 to 0 fused Ring R⁷ R⁸ R¹⁰ R³² R³³ R³⁴ R³⁵ 5 q, r, s, u t, v, w 1 — H H H H H H 6 q, r, s, u t, v, w 1 — Cl H H H H H 7 q, r, s, u t, v, w 1 — H Cl H H H H 8 q, r, s, u t, v, w 2 H — H H H H H 9 q, r, s, u t, v, w 2 H — H F F F F 10 q, r, s, u, v t, w 1 — H H H H H H 11 q, r, s, u, v t, w 1 — Cl H H H H H 12 q, r, s, u, v t, w 2 H — F F F F F

The following table sets forth physical characterizing data for certain compounds of formula I of the present invention. The test compounds of formula I are identified by numbers that correspond to those in Table 1: Characterizing Data Cmpd. Emperical Physical Cmpd. Emperical Physical No. Formulae State No. Formulae State 1 C₂₀H₁₈Cl₄O₅ Liquid 2 C₂₂H₂₂Cl₄O₅ Oil 3 C₂₀H₁₈Cl₄O₅ Oil 4 C₂₂H₂₂Cl₄O₅ Solid 5 C₂₁H₂₀Cl₄O₅ Oil 6 C₂₁H₁₉Cl₅O₅ Oil 7 C₂₁H₁₉Cl₅O₅ Oil 8 C₂₁H₂₀Cl₄O₅ Oil 9 C₂₁H₁₆Cl₄F₄O₅ Oil 10 C₂₂H₂₂Cl₄O₅ Oil 11 C₂₂H₂₁Cl₅O₅ Oil 12 C₂₂H₁₈Cl₄F₄O₅ Oil

Candidate insecticides were evaluated for activity against the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens [Fabricius]) in a surface-treated diet test.

In this test one mL of molten (65-70° C.) wheat germ-based artificial diet was pipetted into each well of a four by six (24 well) multi-well plate (ID# 430345-15.5 mm dia.×17.6 mm deep; Corning Costar Corp., One Alewife Center, Cambridge, Mass. 02140). The diet was allowed to cool to ambient temperature before treatment with candidate insecticide.

For a determination of insecticidal activity, solutions of the candidate insecticides were prepared for testing using a Packard 204DT Multiprobe® Robotic System (Packard Instrument Company, 800 Research Parkway, Meriden, Conn. 06450), in which the robot first diluted a standard 50 millimolar DMSO solution of candidate insecticide with a 1:1 water/acetone solution (V/V) in a ratio of 1:7 stock solution to water/acetone. The robot subsequently pipetted 40 microliters of the so-prepared solution onto the surface of the diet in each of three wells in the 24 multi-well plate. The process was repeated with solutions of seven other candidate insecticides. Once treated, the contents of the multi-well plate were allowed to dry, leaving 0.25 millimoles of candidate insecticide on the surface of the diet, or a concentration of 0.25 millimolar. Appropriate untreated controls containing only DMSO on the diet surface were also included in this test.

For evaluations of the insecticidal activity of a candidate insecticide at varying rates of application, the test was established as described above using sub-multiples of the standard 50 millimolar DMSO solution of candidate insecticide. For example, the standard 50 millimolar solution was diluted by the robot with DMSO to give 5, 0.5, 0.05, 0.005, 0.0005 millimolar, or more dilute solutions of the candidate insecticide. In these evaluations there were six replicates of each rate of application placed on the surface of the diet in the 24 multi-well plate, for a total of four rates of application of candidate insecticide in each plate.

In each well of the test plate was placed one second instar tobacco budworm larvea, each weighing approximately five milligrams. After the larvae were placed in each well, the plate was sealed with clear polyfilm adhesive tape. The tape over each well was perforated to ensure an adequate air supply. The plates were then held in a growth chamber at 25° C. and 60% relative humidity for five days (light 14 hours/day).

After the five-day exposure period insecticidal activity for each rate of application of candidate insecticide was assessed as percent inhibition of insect weight relative to the weight of insects from untreated controls, and percent mortality when compared to the total number of insects infested.

Insecticidal activity data at selected rates of application from this test are provided in Table 3. The test compounds of formula I are identified by numbers that correspond to those in Table 1. TABLE 3 Insecticidal Activity of Certain (Dihaloropenyl)phenylalkyl Substituted Benzodioxolane and Benzodioxole Derivatives When Applied to the Surface of the Diet of Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens [Fabricius]) Percent Percent Cmpd. Percent Growth Cmpd. Percent Growth No. Mortality Inhibition No. Mortality Inhibition 1 100 100 2 100 100 3 100 100 4 100 100 5 100 100 6 100 100 7 100 100 8 100 100 9 100 100 10 100 100 11 100 100 12 100 100 Concentration of the candidate insecticide on the surface of the diet is 0.25 millimolar

As set forth in Table 3, all of the compounds of the present invention tested provided 100% mortality and 100% growth inhibition of the tobacco budworm.

Certain compounds of formula I were tested against tobacco budworm on plant foliage. The foliar treated test against tobacco budworm were conducted in the following manner:

Nine-to-ten day-old chick pea plants (Cicer arietinum) were sprayed at 15 psi to runoff on both upper and lower leaf surfaces with solutions of test compound to provide application rates as high as 1000 ppm of test chemical. The solvent used to prepare the solutions of test compound was 10% acetone or methanol (v/v) and 0.1% of the surfactant octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol in distilled water. Four replicates, each containing one chick pea plant, for each rate of application of test compound were sprayed. The treated plants were transferred to a hood where they were kept until the spray had dried.

The four chick pea plants for each replicate treated with test compound as described above were removed from their pots by cutting the stems just above the soil line. The excised leaves and stems from the four plants in each replicate were placed in individual 237 mL (8-ounce) paper cups, which contained a moistened filter paper. Five second-instar tobacco budworm (7 days old) were counted into each cup, taking care not to cause injury. An opaque plastic lid was placed on each cup, which was then held in a growth chamber for a 96 hour exposure period at 25° C., 50% relative humidity and photo-period of 12 hours light and 12 hours dark. At the end of the 96 hour exposure period the cups were opened, and the numbers of dead, moribund, and live insects were counted. Using the insect counts, the efficacy of the test compound was expressed in percent control. Percent control is derived from the total number of dead insects (TD) plus the total number of moribund insects (TM) as compared to the total number of insects (TI) in the test: ${\%\quad{Control}} = {\frac{{TD} + {TM}}{TI} \times 100}$

The condition of the test plants was also observed for phytotoxicity and for reduction of feeding damage as compared to an untreated control. Larvae are classified as “moribund” if they fail to rapidly right themselves when turned over, but show movement, or if they are severely reduced in size and do not appear to be feeding.

Results of these tests against tobacco budworm are set forth below in Table 4. TABLE 4 Insecticidal Activity on Foliage Against Tobacco Budworm Point of Attachment to Percent Control Cmpd No Benzo-fused Ring 30 ppm 10 ppm 1 1 70 Not tested 2 1 100  85 3 2 74 10 4 2 100  83 Point of Attachment to Cmpd No Benzo-fused Ring Percent Control at 30 ppm 5 1 21 6 1 54 7 1 21 8 2 100  9 2 100  10  1 62 11  1 67 12  2 100 

Table 4 shows that with compounds 1-4, which are benzodioxolane derivatives, there is little difference in activity in regard to the point of attachment of the molecule to the benzo-fused ring. For example, compound 2, with attachment to the benzo-fused ring at position 1 controls tobacco budworm (100% at 30 ppm) equally as well as compound 4 (100% at 30 ppm), with attachment to the benzo-fused ring at position 2. Table 4 also shows that there is an unexpected increase in insecticidal activity with the benzodioxolane derivatives where R³² and R³³ are each methyl. For example, when comparing the insecticidal activity of compounds 2 and 4, in which R³² and R³³ are each methyl, with the insecticidal activity of compounds 1 and 3, in which R³² and R³³ are each hydrogen, clearly compounds 2 and 4 (100% at 30 ppm control) are unexpectedly more active than compounds 1 and 3 (70% and 74%, respectively at 30 ppm). The unexpected insecticidal activity of the benzodioxolane derivatives where R³² and R³³ are each methyl becomes even more pronounced at the lower rate of application of 10 ppm. For example compound 4 is still providing better than 80% control of tobacco budworm at 10 ppm, whereas compound 3 has only 10% control of tobacco budworm at 10 ppm.

Table 4 also shows that with compounds compounds 5-12, which are benzodioxane derivatives, those compounds with attachment to the benzo-fused ring at position 1 (compounds 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11; 67% control or less) are less active than those compounds with attachment to the benzo-fused ring at position 2 (compounds B, 9 and 12; all 100% control).

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that variations of the preferred embodiments may be used and that it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A compound of formula I:

wherein R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, halo(C₁-C₃)alkoxy, (C₁-C₃)alkylthio, halo(C₁-C₃)alkylthio, (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl, cyano, nitro; optionally substituted amino wherein the optional substituent is selected from (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl and (C₁-C₃)alkoxycarbonyl; optionally substituted imidazolyl, optionally substituted imidazolinyl, optionally substituted oxazolinyl, optionally substituted oxazolyl, optionally substituted oxadiazolyl, optionally substituted thiazolyl, optionally substituted pyrazolyl, optionally substituted triazolyl, optionally substituted furanyl, optionally substituted tetrahydrofuranyl, optionally substituted dioxolanyl, optionally substituted dioxanyl, —C(=J)-K, and —C(R¹²)-Q-R¹³, wherein the optional substituent is selected from (C₁-C₄)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, cyano, nitro and aryl; where J is selected from O, S, NR¹⁴, and NOR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, aryl and aryl(C₁-C₄)alkyl; K is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy, (C₁-C₃)alkylamino and di(C₁-C₃)alkylamino; Q is selected from O, S, and NR⁴, where R¹⁴ is as previously described; R¹² and R¹³ are independently selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl and halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, and R¹² and R¹³ may be taken together with -T(CHR¹⁴)_(m)—, where m is an integer of 2 to 4; T is selected from from O, S, and NR¹⁴, where R¹⁴ is as previously described; R¹ and R² are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; E is selected from CH₂, O, S and NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, aryl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, di(C₁-C₃)alkylphosphonate, formyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl and (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl; G is selected from O, S, CH₂O* and (CH₂)_(n) where the asterisk denotes attachment to E, and n is an integer selected from 1, 2 and 3, provided that E and G are not simultaneously O or S, x is an integer selected from 0 or 1; and when x is 1, A is selected from O, S(O)_(p) and —NR¹⁵, where p is an integer selected from 0, 1 and 2, and R¹⁵ is as previously described; B is a bridging group, —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(C²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)-(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—, where the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are independently selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, and (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl; t is an integer selected from 0 or 1; and when t is 1, L is selected from CH═CH; O, S(O)_(p); OS(O)₂, S(O)₂O, NR²⁸; N(oxide)R²⁸; NR²⁸SO₂; NR²⁸C(═O)NR²⁹; Si(CH₃)₂; C(═O), OC(═O), NHC(═O); ON═CH; HC—NO; C(═O)O; C(═O)NH; C(═NOR¹⁴) and [CR³⁰R³¹]_(z), where p is as previously described, R²⁸ and R²⁹ are independently selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylsulfonyl, (C₁-C₃)alkylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, and (C₂-C₅)alkynyl; z is an integer selected from 1 or 2; and R³⁰ and R³¹ are independently selected from hydrogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; y is an integer selected from 0 or 1; and when y is 1, D is selected from O; S(O)_(p); and NR¹⁵, where p and R¹⁵ are as previously described, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused ring moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions designated 1- or 2-:

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₅)alkenyl, (C₂-C₅)alkynyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl, (C₁-C₄)alkoxy, halo(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)alkylthio, halo(C₁-C₄)alkylthio, (C₁-C₄)alkylsulfonyl, halo(C₁-C₄)alkylsulfonyl, cyano, nitro, aryl, alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, and (C₁-C₄)alkoxycarbonylamino; M is selected from —CR³²R³³— and —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, and when M is —CR³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from halogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl, and when M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³¹—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, halo(C₁-C₃)alkyl and (C₁-C₃)alkoxy(C₁-C₃)alkyl; and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.
 2. A compound of claim 1, wherein R and R³ are independently selected from halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; R¹ and R² are hydrogen; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine, bromine, and fluorine; E is O; G is (CH₂)_(n), where n is 1; x is 1, and A is O; and when q, r, s, u, v and w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen; t is 0 or 1, and when t is 1, L is selected from O, OC(═O), NHC(═O), ON═CH, and CH═NO; y is 1, and D is selected from O; S(O)_(p); and NR¹⁵, where p is 0, and R¹⁵ is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)alkyl, aryl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, (C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, and halo(C₂-C₄)alkenyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused moiety set forth in formula I at the position designated 1- or 2-; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl and nitro; when M is —CR³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl, and when M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl.
 3. A compound of claim 2, wherein R and R³ are independently selected from chlorine and methyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine and bromine; q, r, s, u, v and w are 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum of q, r, s, u, v and w is at least 2 and at most 6; t is 0; D is O; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; and when M is —Cr³²R³³—, R³² and R³³ are independently selected from fluorine and methyl, and when M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵—, R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, fluorine and methyl.
 4. A compound of claim 3, wherein R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; and M is —CR³²R³³— where R³² and R³³ are each methyl.
 5. A compound of claim 3, wherein R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵, where R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen and fluorine.
 6. A compound of claim 5, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused moiety set forth in formula I at the position designated 2, and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are each fluorine.
 7. A compound of formula I:

wherein R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or (C₁-C₃)alkyl; R¹ and R² are hydrogen; E is O; G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; x is 1 and A is O; B is a bridging group —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(C²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)-(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—, where the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and t is 0; and when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen, y is 1, and D is O, and wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused ring moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions designated 1- or 2-:

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₄)alkyl; M is —CR³²R³³— where R³² and R³³ are independently selected from halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.
 8. A compound of claim 7, wherein R and R³ are independently selected from chlorine and methyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine and bromine; q, r, s, u, v and w are 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum of q, r, s, u, v and w is at least 2 and at most 6; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; and R³² and R³³ are independently selected from fluorine and methyl.
 9. A compound of claim 8, wherein R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; and R³² and R³³ are each methyl.
 10. A compound of formula I:

wherein R and R³ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or (C₁-C₃)alkyl; R¹ and R² are hydrogen; E is O; G is (CH₂)_(n) where n is 1; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from halogen; x is 1 and A is O; B is a bridging group —(CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(q)—(CR¹⁸R¹⁹)_(r)—(C²⁰R²¹)_(s)-L_(t)-(CR²²R²³)_(u)—(CR²⁴R²⁵)_(v)—(CR²⁶R²⁷)_(w)—, where the asterisk denotes attachment at A; q, r, s, u, v and w are integers independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and t is 0; and when q, r, s, u, v or w are 1 or 2, R¹⁶ through R²⁷, inclusively, are hydrogen, y is 1, and D is O, and wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused ring moiety set forth in formula I at either of the positions designated 1- or 2-:

where R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₄)alkyl; M is —CR³²R³³CR³⁴R³⁵— where R³², R³³ R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen and (C₁-C₃)alkyl; and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.
 11. A compound of claim 10, wherein R and R³ are independently selected from chlorine and methyl; R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from chlorine and bromine; q, r, s, u, v and w are 0, 1 or 2, provided that the sum of q, r, s, u, v and w is at least 2 and at most 6; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen, fluorine and methyl.
 12. A compound of claim 11, wherein R, R³, R⁵ and R⁶ are each chlorine; q, r and s are 1; u and v are 0 or 1; w is 0; and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are independently selected from hydrogen and fluorine.
 13. A compound of claim 12, wherein D is attached to the benzo-fused moiety set forth in formula I at the position designated 2, and R³², R³³, R³⁴ and R³⁵ are each fluorine.
 14. A composition comprising an insecticidally effective amount of a compound of claim 1 in admixture with at least one agriculturally acceptable extender or adjuvant.
 15. The insecticidal composition of claim 14, further comprising one or more second compounds selected from the group consisting of pesticides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and soil conditioners.
 16. A method of controlling insects, comprising applying an insecticidally effective amount of a composition of claim 14 to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present.
 17. A method of controlling insects, comprising applying an insecticidally effective amount of a composition of claim 15 to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present. 